Dunkin' Brands revenue beats as royalty fees rise

This product image provided by Dunkin' Donuts shows the chain's new "Croissant Donut," which will be launched nationally for a limited time starting Nov. 3, 2014. It comes more than a year after the Dominique Ansel Bakery in New York City introduced its now-trademarked Cronut, which became a viral sensation and spawned numerous knockoffs.Photo/Dunkin Donuts)Dunkin' Brands Group Inc reported better-than-expected quarterly revenue, helped by increased royalties from franchisees and higher sales at company-operated restaurants.

Net income attributable to the company fell to $46.2 million, or 48 cents per share, in the third quarter ended Sept. 26 from $54.7 million, or 52 cents per share, a year earlier.

Revenue rose 9 percent to $209.8 million, above the average analyst estimate of $204.1 million, according to Thomson Reuters.